The Drover's Wife
Dec 2019 · Sold by Penguin Group Australia
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Deep in the heart of Australia’s high country, along an ancient, hidden track, live Molly Johnson and her children. Husband Joe is away droving, leaving his family in the bush to fend for itself. Molly’s children are her world, and life is hard with only their dog, Alligator, and a shotgun for protection – but it can be harder when Joe’s around.
Molly’s eldest son Danny is the true man of the house, determined to see his mother and siblings safe – from raging floodwaters, hunger and intruders. Danny is mature, but there are some things no child should see. He knows more than most just what it takes to be a drover’s wife.
One night, Molly has a visitor – a black ‘story keeper’, Yadaka. He’s on the run from authorities, and exchanges kindness for shelter. Both know that justice in this nation caught between two worlds can be as brutal as its landscape. But in their short time together Yadaka shows Molly a secret truth, and the strength to imagine a different path.
In this brave reimagining of the Henry Lawson short story that has become an Australian classic, Purcell brings us a compelling thriller of our pioneering past that confronts head-on issues of today: race, gender, violence and inheritance.
Molly’s eldest son Danny is the true man of the house, determined to see his mother and siblings safe – from raging floodwaters, hunger and intruders. Danny is mature, but there are some things no child should see. He knows more than most just what it takes to be a drover’s wife.
One night, Molly has a visitor – a black ‘story keeper’, Yadaka. He’s on the run from authorities, and exchanges kindness for shelter. Both know that justice in this nation caught between two worlds can be as brutal as its landscape. But in their short time together Yadaka shows Molly a secret truth, and the strength to imagine a different path.
In this brave reimagining of the Henry Lawson short story that has become an Australian classic, Purcell brings us a compelling thriller of our pioneering past that confronts head-on issues of today: race, gender, violence and inheritance.
Deep in the heart of Australia’s high country, along an ancient, hidden track, live Molly Johnson and her children. Husband Joe is away droving, leaving his family in the bush to fend for itself. Molly’s children are her world, and life is hard with only their dog, Alligator, and a shotgun for pr...
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Ratings and reviews
15 reviews
Martin Owen
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June 18, 2024
sadly, a wake up to the mind of people believing lies and propaganda in their own benefits. throughout all history.
Lalla Reeves
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September 3, 2022
very good read so far. having seen the film, book fills in the pieces.
About the author
Leah Purcell AM is a proud Goa, Gunggari, Wakka Wakka Murri woman from Queensland. She is a playwright, actor, director, filmmaker, producer, screenwriter and author. At the heart of her work are female and First Nations themes, characters and issues. In 2021, she received a Member of The Order of Australia (AM) for her service to performing arts, First Nations youth and culture, and to women. The Drover’s Wife was originally an award-winning play, written by and starring Purcell, based on the Henry Lawson short story. She was the lead actor, writer, director and a producer of the acclaimed feature film adaptation, The Drover’s Wife The Legend Of Molly Johnson. Her bestselling and award-winning novel, The Drover’s Wife, was released in 2019. In 2026, Leah will direct The Drover’s Wife – The Opera, libretto by Leah Purcell with George Palmer, opening in Brisbane and Sydney. Among her many other film, tv and theatre credits, Leah headlines the recent drama series, High Country.
Leah Purcell AM is a proud Goa, Gunggari, Wakka Wakka Murri woman from Queensland. She is a playwright, actor, director, filmmaker, producer, screenwriter and author. At the heart of her work are female and First Nations themes, characters and issues. In 2021, she received a Member of The Order o...
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